Riot Games Expands Beyond MOBAs
Riot Games, best known for shaping the esports landscape with League of Legends and Valorant, is officially entering the fighting game scene. On September 9, 2025, the studio launched the closed beta for 2XKO, its highly anticipated 2v2 tag-team fighter set in the universe of Runeterra.
The title gives players the chance to control iconic League of Legends champions in a completely new way, bringing fast-paced combat to a genre dominated by titles like Street Fighter and Tekken.
Although Riot has not announced when the beta will end, the expectation is that it will remain live until closer to the game’s full release, currently targeted for late 2025.
How to Join the 2XKO Beta
Priority Access for Returning Testers
Players who participated in earlier alpha sessions automatically received beta keys, giving them guaranteed entry.
Invitations and Sign-Ups
Newcomers can join by signing up through Riot’s official website or by receiving an invitation. Each beta participant can invite up to three additional friends, creating a community-driven onboarding process that mirrors the early days of League of Legends.
Platforms and Availability
For now, the beta is exclusive to PC. Riot has confirmed that PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions will arrive at a later testing stage, ensuring console players won’t be left behind.
Stages Inspired by Runeterra
To enhance immersion for long-time fans, the beta features five stages, each designed around iconic League of Legends locations. This gives matches a strong thematic connection to the lore, blending fighting game action with the fantasy backdrop of Runeterra.
Esports Already on the Horizon
Even before its full release, Riot is planting the seeds for 2XKO’s competitive future. The game is confirmed to appear at Ultimate Fighting Arena 2025 in Paris, one of the most prestigious events on the fighting game calendar.
Meanwhile, grassroots communities in the Fighting Game Community (FGC) are already hosting unofficial tournaments, with social media buzzing about early matchups, strategies, and highlight clips.
This dual push — top-tier esports visibility and fan-driven events — suggests Riot intends to replicate its League of Legends and Valorant success in yet another genre.
Playable Champions in the Beta
At launch, Riot confirmed that ten champions will be part of the 2XKO roster. Nine of them are already available in the beta, with each bringing unique mechanics adapted from their original League of Legends kits:
- Jinx – long-range chaos with explosive projectiles.
- Braum – a defensive powerhouse with shield-based counters.
- Ahri – mobile mage with deceptive burst combos.
- Darius – heavy-hitting juggernaut built for dominance up close.
- Ekko – time-bending trickster with flashy reversals.
- Yasuo – fan-favorite swordsman with fluid mobility.
- Illaoi – devastating grabs and high-damage tentacle strikes.
- Vi – brawler with armor-breaking punches.
- Blitzcrank – grappler whose hook sets up big team combos.
The tenth champion is being held back for now, fueling speculation about who will round out the launch lineup.
Why 2XKO Matters for Riot and the FGC
Riot’s entry into fighting games carries weight beyond its League-inspired roster. The studio has a proven track record of building long-term ecosystems around its titles, from casual play to competitive esports.
By designing 2XKO as a 2v2 tag fighter, Riot differentiates it from most one-on-one brawlers, while also creating a system that encourages teamwork and creativity. Combined with the company’s global esports infrastructure, this game could become a pillar in both mainstream and competitive gaming.
Looking Ahead
With the beta now live, fans are already dissecting mechanics, sharing gameplay clips, and speculating about balance changes. Riot has yet to reveal the full release date, but given the strong initial response and upcoming tournament presence, the fighting game’s debut later this year could be one of the biggest launches of 2025.
For now, the 2XKO beta offers players a first real taste of Riot’s vision: a fast-paced, collaborative fighting game that blends League of Legends nostalgia with the adrenaline of the FGC.
